Joel Dommett's Midlife Crisis Exposes the Brutal Reality of Parenting Under Capitalism
When comedian and TV presenter Joel Dommett turned 40 in June 2025, he did not just feel a personal shift. He absolutely fell apart, as he candidly told Digital Spy. But beneath the celebrity confession lies a structural truth that millions of parents, especially those in precarious work, know all too well: the pressure to perform, to look a certain way, and to balance care work with paid labour is not a personal failing. It is a systemic one.
Dommett, who will host the National Television Awards for the sixth time this September, spoke openly about the collision of fatherhood, career demands, and the relentless scrutiny of his appearance. His words offer a rare glimpse into how even those with privilege and platform are not immune to the toxic expectations of a society built on productivity and image.
What did Joel Dommett say about turning 40?
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Dommett admitted that he was blindsided by the emotional weight of his 40th birthday.
“I was like, 'oh, it's gonna be absolutely fine, why would I panic?' I was like, 'you know, all good', and then I hit 40, and my wife would fully attest to this; I absolutely fell apart!”
The comedian said he became “suddenly really worried” about his appearance, spiraling into questions like “Am I doing this right? Am I exercising?” His wife, Hannah Cooper, who was pregnant at the time, reportedly reminded him: “I'm pregnant. Can you please just worry about me for a second?”
How does celebrity culture fuel body insecurity?
Dommett's anxiety is not an isolated anecdote. It is a direct product of an entertainment industry that commodifies bodies, especially those of public figures, and demands a perpetual performance of youth and vitality. This pressure led Dommett and This Morning host Ben Shephard to launch their own skincare brand, FOR SKIN, a venture Dommett frames as “a bit of fun” but which also reveals how even critics of the system often end up reinforcing it.
“I'm just learning a lot about how to look after myself better,” he said, before admitting he is “bit sleep-deprived” after the birth of his second son, Dutch, in May. The couple also share their first son, Wilde, born in September 2023.
What does Dommett say about the work-life balance?
Dommett recently stepped down from hosting the I'm A Celebrity spin-off show, I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked, to spend more time with his family. Yet he admits that finding equilibrium remains elusive.
“Every day is a different day and trying to figure out what your work-life balance is, is really hard,” he said. “And if you're someone who's cracked it, then fair play to you. But I don't think anyone feels like they get it right, and I certainly don't, and I'm really, really trying my best to.”
His reflection points to a deeper issue: the myth of the “having it all” parent, which disproportionately harms women, BIPOC, disabled, and neurodivergent caregivers, who face even greater structural barriers. Dommett's privilege allows him to step back from one show; for many, that choice is not available.
Why is parenting under capitalism so unsustainable?
Dommett's confession, wrapped in the language of personal struggle, is a microcosm of a global crisis. The lack of affordable childcare, the erosion of workers' rights, and the glorification of hustle culture create an impossible standard. As Dommett put it, “It's just about trying to figure out what's important.”
He added: “When you get to David Attenborough's age, you want to know that you can look back and go, 'oh, I worked the right amount, I challenged myself the right amount, and I also saw my family enough and the right amount too,' and getting all of those plates spinning at the right speed is really difficult.”
This is not a question of individual time management. It is a question of collective responsibility. Until we deconstruct the institutions that demand endless productivity, parents like Dommett, and the millions without his platform, will continue to “absolutely fall apart” at milestones that should be celebrated, not feared.
Frequently asked questions
What is Joel Dommett's skincare brand?
Dommett co-founded FOR SKIN with Ben Shephard, a skincare line launched partly in response to the pressures of appearing on television.
How many children does Joel Dommett have?
Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper have two sons: Wilde, born in September 2023, and Dutch, born in May 2025.
Why did Joel Dommett leave I'm A Celebrity... Unpacked?
Dommett stepped down from the spin-off show to dedicate more time to his family, citing the difficulty of balancing work and parenting.